NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans open their 2023 NFL training camp on Wednesday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tennessee. Here’s a closer look at a few storylines:
What is the most compelling position battle? Malik Willis vs. Will Levis for backup quarterback
Willis, a 2022 third-round pick, was once viewed as the future quarterback after what was expected to be a developmental process. The process was cut short when Willis was thrust into action when starter Ryan Tannehill injured his ankle last season. Willis went 1-3 in those games. One year later, new general manager Ran Carthon traded up to get Levis with the second pick of the second round. Now, Willis and Levis will compete for the backup spot as they both learn a new scheme this year under new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly.
Despite playing in a similar scheme at Kentucky, Levis has still gone through some expected early bumps. But his physical presence and arm strength are clear attributes. Willis showed improvement this offseason and looked comfortable after having a season under his belt. Joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots, along with extended preseason play, will give this battle a chance to play out.
Who is the player with the most to prove? Treylon Burks, WR
Burks showed flashes of why the Titans selected him in the first round in 2022. His best game was against the Green Bay Packers, when he finished with seven receptions for 111 yards. But he finished with only 33 receptions for 444 yards and a touchdown as a rookie. Entering this season, Burks is the player who is viewed as Tennessee's No. 1 receiver. It's clear he took last season's disappointing start and finish personally.
Burks worked on his conditioning to avoid a repeat of last season when he reported to rookie minicamp and wasn't able to finish his first practice because of conditions associated with asthma. Despite that, Burks said he's ready for a bigger role, and Kelly has challenged him to be more consistent as well.
Who is the most impactful offseason addition? Arden Key, OLB
Newly acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins easily qualifies. But Tennessee's pass defense ranked worst in the league last season. The Titans wanted to add juice off the edge, so they signed Key to a modest three-year, $21 million contract. Despite playing in a rotational role for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, Key generated 25 pressures over the final five weeks, trailing only Nick Bosa (26). That's something Key can build upon this season with an increase in snaps.
Having a bigger role was one of the main reasons Key signed with Tennessee. Key fits nicely with Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry up front. The sixth-year veteran has already made his presence felt through his communication during OTAs and minicamp and working with the younger pass-rushers on the side during downtime. Key brings versatility as a stand-up defender, as well as a true defensive end and along the interior.
Training camp is a success if … outside linebacker Harold Landry III shows signs of recovery after missing all of last season
Coach Mike Vrabel said Landry is "working his tail off and looks great from a physical standpoint." Landry led the Titans with 12 sacks in 2021 and signed a five-year, $87.5 million contract before last season. Tennessee had high expectations for their pass rush after the Titans sacked Joe Burrow nine times in their AFC Divisional playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals that year. Landry was expected to be one of the core defenders entering last season, but he tore his right ACL in September.
Vrabel didn't give a timeline for the 2021 Pro Bowler's return, and despite his encouraging words, Landry wasn't on the field for OTAs or minicamp. Getting him out there in preseason could be a huge boost for the defense.